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Saving the Environment, One Week at a Time

About the author: Brenda Reyes Tomassini joined EPA in 2002. She is a public affairs specialist in the San Juan, Puerto Rico office and also handles community relations for the Caribbean Environmental Protection Division.

A reporter recently approached me with the task of helping her with a “green” Christmas gift guide. I told her I was giving all of my friends reusable bags as presents in order for them to refrain from using plastic bags. This got me thinking of a list of habit-changing tips everyone can use. With the recent start of a new year, what better resolution than 52 ideas that everyone can incorporate into their daily routine, one to be done every week, to turn a regular individual into an environmentally conscious citizen by the end of 2009. Here are the first 26.

Reduce the amount of waste created by unnecessary packaging by buying in bulk whenever possible.

Reuse everything you can. Donate what you don’t use to be reused. I have a hand-me down circle of friends for children’s clothing. I also like buying at second-hand shops for rarely used items like winter coats. (Remember, in Puerto Rico it’s “summer” all year round).

Recycle. Check your town or municipality’s requirements. If they don’t have a recycling program available bring all your recyclables to the nearest drop-off center.

Opt for items made from recycled materials when making a purchase.

Borrow large items and tools.

Become a smart consumer. Research before buying to consider the most environmentally friendly option.

Use reusable bags.

Shop for durability from clothes to large items.

Try to eat more at home or brown bag whenever you can. Eating out generates more waste from unnecessary packaging.

Employ natural ingredients for cleaning the house like vinegar and baking soda. I like plant-based cleaning products too.

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